Interview w/ Navreet Josan – Make Up Professional and Bikini Champ!

Navreet aka LilRocket is a full time make up professional whose passion for fitness and go getter attitude has helped her become a decorated Bikini Athlete. What started off as a personal challenge has made her a force to recon with the world over!

Competing on an International platform must involve a lot of hard work and preparation. How do you manage to balance your career and train for competitions? If you want something badly you will find a way to get it. For me it’s all about balance and planning. It’s important to plan your week in advance. I work as a Makeup Artist and trainer with a global cosmetics company. I also workout five days a week, both morning and evening. It gets hectic but I do it with a big smile on my face because I am passionate about it. Of course, there are days when it is difficult to take out time for a workout but one should not get discouraged. Try and take out time for at least a walk on such days and stay on top of your diet!

The biggest challenge that people face when it comes to fitness is staying motivated. What is that one thing that keeps you going?There will be days when you feel lazy and don’t want to do it but you have to push yourself. It is important to set small goals that excite you, make a plan and stay consistent. You have to believe in yourself and the process. If you follow a balanced diet and build a routine that you enjoy, you will see results. And when you do, it becomes a lifestyle and it stays with you. It’s sad to see people give up before they even get to see what their bodies are capable of.

What is the one thing you have had to give up during training that you miss the most?Sleeping in on a cold winter morning is what I miss the most. My alarm goes off at 5.30am and I am in the gym by 6.30am for my morning cardio session.

What do you have to say to women who believe that doing strength training will make them bulky and manly?Strength training can really give you the body you desire. Whether your goal is to lose weight, be toned or be muscular, muscle development makes it possible to achieve all of those. Even Victoria’s Secret models train and they’re not bulky by any stretch of the imagination. Your training needs to change according to your goals. It is important to educate yourself before you write off strength training completely.

What’s your Favorite Cheat Meal? Any advice on how one should plan their cheat meal?I don’t have a favorite cheat meal as such, I always go with what my body is craving. It could be a pizza from Olive Bar & Kitchen or Fat Lulu’s, somedays it’s a lamb biryani or a slightly indulgent home cooked meal.When it comes to cheat meals it’s important to focus on the portion size. And remember it is a cheat meal and not a cheat day. Don’t go overboard. When you know you will be attending a party or a wedding during the week save your cheat meal for the party/ wedding, as you are more likely to indulge then.

Advice for people pursuing competing in Bikini/ otherphysique competitions.First and foremost, you need to figure out whether you really want to do it or not. You also have to consider the financial aspect as competing overseas can be very expensive. Once you’re clear about that, it is extremely important to find a good coach and trust them completely. I would really encourage it as it teaches you a lot about fitness and nutrition. It’s a great platform to push yourself beyond your limits. Also, the admiration and appreciation you get from people makes all the hard work you put in completely worth it.